Welcome to Miami South Beach
Few experiences on Earth match lying on soft white sand while listening to the waves breaking on the shore. Miami has the Atlantic Ocean on its doorstep and some of the best gay friendly beaches in the USA.
South Beach, by the legendary Ocean Drive has Gay and Lesbian friendly alcoves where the blonde, the bronzed and the beautiful compliment each other and the dazzling shoreline perfectly. Stroll the broadwalk at Miami Beach with its gay friendly cafes and the scenery is just as stunning.
A seaside holiday in Miami doesn’t involve dreary weather, Punch and Judy shows and over-priced soggy fish and chips. A vacation in Miami means sizzling weather, the coolest nightclubs, and exotic cocktails and fresh tasty food. If you weren’t hip, cool and trendy before you arrive in Miami, a couple of days hanging out there will surely turn you that way.
If you prefer something a little more cerebrally stimulating, don’t think for one second that Miami can’t deliver. Underneath all that style lies plenty of substance. Miami is home to five art museums, two major universities, the nation's largest community college system, an opera company, a ballet company, a symphony orchestra, and an internationally renowned film festival and book fair.
In addition to all of this Miami has a flourishing theatre scene; three of the best-known venues are the Jackie Gleason Theatre, Actor’s Playhouse and the Coconut Grove Playhouse, which present full seasons of Broadway musicals and theatre productions. But if grown men prancing about the stage in tights doesn’t appeal to you, then why not check them out as they prance about the field, as the city is home to the world famous Miami dolphins American football team.
If you fancy getting out of the city for a while, there is plenty on your doorstep. The Florida Keys stretch over 120 miles south from Miami, starting with Key Largo, a great place for diving the Florida Reef. The sea and sky come together as you drive the Overseas Highway past tiny Dick Key and Islamorada, with their world-class fishing and snorkeling. The fun loving resort town of Key West lies just 90 miles from Cuba, its colourful streets owing more to the Caribbean than the USA.
All of this is bordered on the west by the magnificent Everglades National Park; the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. Just the place if you want to get all natural for a while, just watch out for those big, angry crocodiles!
For the Gay traveller
South Beach is considered to be the gay epicentre of Miami, where just about every gay friendly restaurant and gay friendly bar has a rainbow flag in its window, and welcoming to the gay community.
Some of the best gay bars include Blue, Laundry Bar, Score and the Loading Zone; which is popular with the leather crowd. And when its time to get dancing, then check out Twist, South Beach’s most popular gay nightclub. Liquid is also fairly popular, but has a mixed crowd.
Crobar, a small but chic dance club, is where the scene is focused on Sunday nights. After the clubs close, you can head to Pump, a multi-level after-hours club right on the beach, drawing a mixed crowd. If you want to get yourself away from the pretention of South Beach, then in Miami proper Cactus Bar and Grill is friendly and laid-back, and O’Zone is large and popular, drawing a big Latino crowd.
Miami simply throngs with gay events, but believe it or not, a Gay Pride celebration isn’t one of them. There is no centralized gay “community” in South Beach, because the vast majority of gay people there are only visiting. There is no gay and lesbian community organization, thus no one to plan pride events. Gay parties in Miami are organized by individual charities and organizations (very few of which are local to South Beach) so it can be infamously difficult to find out what events are lined up each year.
But the winter parties are invariably kicked off with the infamous White Party on Thanksgiving weekend, and capped off with Winter Party in March. Sizzle is Miami’s Black Pride event, which happens Memorial Day weekend. The Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival takes place the last two weeks of April.
Staying there
All of our hotels in Miami have been inspected by a staff member, and you will find that our selection should suit your every need. All are gay friendly and very welcoming, and they all, for their various categories offer excellent value for money. Most are located a few moments walk to the beach and many of the attractions mentioned above.
Getting there
There are direct flights into Miami from London Heathrow with British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and American Airlines throughout the year. All are competitively priced, especially out-with of the busy summer season.
We have specially negotiated contracts with all these carriers, and some great rates in Premium economy with BA and Virgin. If travelling from elsewhere in the UK, we will find you the quickest and most convenient connection. If you are looking to explore Florida, then we can arrange car hire for you and fly you into Miami and out of Fort Lauderdale or Orlando or vice versa.
For those looking to travel the county a little more, we can arrange flights from Miami to virtually anywhere in the USA. Just let us know where you fancy going, and we will tailor-make your perfect itinerary.
Our hotels in Miami South Beach
Property Type: Boutique Style, Gay FriendlyWalking Distance to, within 1km: Art Galleries, Beach, Gay Scene, Local Transportation, Museums, Restaurants, ShoppingInclusions: All Taxes and Service, Room OnlyDining & Entertainment: Bar, RestaurantHealth & Fitness: Gym, Swimming PoolRoom Facilities: Air Conditioning, Bathroom, CD / DVD, Hairdryers, Internet Connection, Iron / Ironing Board, Minibar / Refrigerator, Room Safes, Satellite TV, Tea / Coffee, TelephoneApartment Facilities: Hot Plate / Hobs, Kitchenette, Microwave
Property Type: Boutique Style, Regular Hotel/Apartment, Very Gay FriendlyWalking Distance to, within 1km: Art Galleries, Beach, Gay Scene, Local Transportation, Museums, Restaurants, ShoppingInclusions: All Taxes and Service, Room OnlyOptional Extras: Full BreakfastDining & Entertainment: 24 Hour Room Service, Bar, Coffee Shop, Lobby Shops, RestaurantHealth & Fitness: Gym, Health Club / Spa, Sauna / Steam Room, Swimming PoolRoom Facilities: Air Conditioning, Bathroom, Internet Connection, Minibar / Refrigerator, Room Safes, Satellite TV, Tea / Coffee
